Independent Day Celebration: Bikers warm up for unity ride

As part of their contributions towards unity of Nigeria, various power bike riders associations across the federation are unity for an Independence Day unity ride.

Tagged, One Nigeria Ride, over 200 bikers are expected to ride on their bikes from their respective states across the country before converging in Abuja. They are to convene at the Unity Fountain, close to the ceremonial Eagle Square, fully costumed. From there, the bikers will kick start their art and entertain residents as they ride along some major streets of the Federal Capital Territory.

Convener of the programme, which is coming under the umbrella name of Riders Embassy, Abubakar Abdullahi, noted that their coming together was to canvass peaceful co-existence among Nigerians, especially at a time several national questions threaten the nation.

Abubakar expressed concern over the rising wave of hate and animosity among the different ethnic groups of the country, stressing that such was not healthy for the growth and development of the nation. Dismissing affiliation with any political party, he stated that the oncoming attraction is a self-organised, self-sponsored peace awareness campaign.

According to him, it was their quota, as responsible Nigerians, to create awareness on the need for people to unite and build a strong, indivisible nation.

He said: “The wave of divisive and secessionist sentiments sweeping across Nigeria has necessitated the coming together of bikers, to canvass unity and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

“Across the different regions of the country, individuals and groups have become increasingly vocal in their calls for the division of this great nation Nigeria.

“Amidst all of these, we remain fervent in our belief in the oneness of Nigeria; that we are stronger together, and that our differences are what make us a beautiful people and that is the reason we are called giant of Africa”, Abdullahi said.

He added, “In light of this, the Riders’ Embassy is officially launching the One Nigeria Ride – a ride of over 200 motorbike riders in the country to commemorate the Independence day of our dear country.

“More importantly, it is to remind our fellow countrymen across board that this nation is the only one we have to call our own, and that unity in diversity is a sure way to achieve lasting peace and progress for Nigeria.”

“Our means of spreading this noble message of unity will involve us riding with bikers from different parts of this great country to Abuja as we celebrate Nigeria’s 57th Independence Day anniversary.

According to the convener, activities lined up for the One Nigeria Ride include the ride of over 200 bikers and custom car riders from Unity Fountain through Garki and Wuse districts of Abuja, making some stops along the way before coming back to the Unity Fountain, where they would be hoisting “the biggest Nigerian Flag.”

Abdullahi therefore called on all patriotic Nigerians and other individual bikers to be part of the show and support the ride for the unity, peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.